Nov 08/05 - On why Bush will not meet Chávez: the futility of appeasement

PMBComments: I came across this reasoned explanation (see below) of why a meeting between Mr. Bush and Mr. Chávez is not likely to occur. I might add that it seems clear that at the end of the day, the latter does not really want it (and will shout anything to make sure it never happens) and the former is focused on real survival issues (his and others) and not on theatrics. Moreover, Chávez needs an enemy, and not a meeting, to justify his twisted plans - which have nothing whatsoever to do with such niceties as MORE democracy and LESS poverty.

Offending President Bush gives HCh ample reason to pursue a ruinous course that will undoubtedly bring, as intended, ruin to our nation. Using the “foreign enemy” and a potential “invasion” to justify the recruitment of “reservists” and “guardias territoriales” that would then, “on command”, turn arms on the “revolution’s domestic opponents” is part of a well documented – as yet unpublished – game plan aptly called Pensamiento Militar Venezolano. Having read it, I would christen this document (penned by Mr. Chávez and some of his most “brilliant” military cronies) Principles for a XXI Century Civil Confrontation.

I ONCE MORE take the opportunity to warn the appeasers of the grave error they make when they seek dialogue and court favors with a malignant individual whose “words” and “deeds” are inseparable parts of a very uncivil plan. PMB

"Ask the White House" with Tom Shannon, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs
November 2nd, 2005

Richard, from Grasonville, MD writes:
Will the President's trip to the Latin America Summit in Argentina involve a presonal dialogue with Venezuela President Chavez?

Tom Shannon
No meetings between President Bush and President Chávez are currently scheduled. President Chávez has stated publicly in recent days that he plans to go the Summit to declare the Free Trade of the Americas "dead" and denounce what he calls "U.S. imperialism." The President, on the other hand, will be there to work with his counterparts on a positive agenda to create jobs and economic opportunities for all our citizens and help the poor and traditionally marginalized groups fully join the economic life of their countries. It is unfortunate that the Venezuelan government has chosen not to take advantage of this opportunity to work constructively with its neighbors. It's thus hard to imagine a productive dialogue when the Venezuelan government has repeatedly made clear its negative intentions with respect to the Summit and its personal animosity toward the President. This is especially regrettable given our traditionally friendly relationship with the Venezuelan government and our continued close ties to the Venezuelan people.

Rest can be found at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/ask/20051102.html